Invercargill has not been allocated a Silver Ferns test after Christchurch and Auckland were confirmed as hosts for the New Zealand leg of the Constellation Cup yesterday.
No tests were announced for the Taini Jamison Series, so there is still a glimmer of hope Stadium Southland could host a test this year.
But there will be little time for additional fixtures with the Silver Ferns competing at the Commonwealth Games next month.
Invercargill hosted its first test in seven years in 2023, when it welcomed the Diamonds. The venue has since hosted the English Roses in 2024 and the South African Proteas in 2025.
Auckland will host the opening test of the Constellation Cup on October 18 before the series heads to Christchurch on October 21.
The final two games will be played in Sydney on October 25 and Melbourne on October 28.
The Diamonds won the Constellation Cup last year in dramatic fashion.
They won the opening two tests, and the Silver Ferns won the final two, but the Diamonds won the extra-time decider — played directly after the fourth test — to win the title.
The Diamonds head into the series as the No 1 team in the world, but have not won an official test on New Zealand soil since 2021.
‘‘The Silver Ferns have a huge amount of respect for the Diamonds, and the Constellation Cup continues to be one of the marquee series in our international calendar,’’ Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua said.
‘‘The history and rivalry between our two teams always creates a special occasion.
‘‘Australia are the No 1 team in the world, and playing against them provides an opportunity to test ourselves against the very best.
‘‘Starting the series at home in front of our fans before heading across the Tasman is an exciting challenge for our group.’’
Australia and the Silver Ferns are both preparing for the Commonwealth Games next month as their respective domestic seasons finish up.
The ANZ Premiership wraps up this weekend, while the Super Netball in Australia has the preliminary final this weekend and the grand final next weekend.
